Bodega San Francisco Javier, Palacio de Sada Crianza, 2011

This winery has extensive vineyard holdings, altogether some 500ha, the result of its former life as a co-operative with 38 partners. Navarra’s co-ops were built around Garnacha production until the decision late last century to renovate the region by converting to Cabernets and Merlots. The winery relaunched itself over a decade ago, making the traditional repertoire of rosado, crianza and reserva. Its holdings in the Baja Montaña zone also include 200ha of old Garnacha vines, which go into the top wine. This excellent crianza shows exactly what good young Navarra Garnacha is all about, with straightforward expression of fruit and a year in oak.   Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW <br /> Discreet, restrained and elegant, with classic red berry fruit and lovely floral hints. Well structured, finely grained, sensual, deep and complex. Top-quality Garnacha fruit.   Sarah Jane Evans MW <br /> Floral with cedar notes and oranges paired with red fruits. This is an opulent style of Garnacha. Deliciously long and succulent palate. Spicy, savoury finish. Very good wine.   Pierre Mansour <br /> Tarry nose and an intense, controlled palate of fine tannins and a full finish. Definitely a food-worthy wine.